Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Broken Pinky Toe

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe on the foot. This can happen from direct impact by either dropping something on the toe or stubbing it against a hard object. The fracture of this toe usually occurs at its base. When one has broken their baby toe, swelling often occurs. There may be a snapping or grinding noise when the toe breaks, the toe may appear crooked, there might be bruising, and it will likely hurt. If there is an open wound when the toe breaks, one should seek immediate medical attention. Rest and taping the broken toe to the toe next to it may be all that is necessary. However, if these simple treatments do not relieve the symptoms, or they seem to be getting worse, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can examine the toe and recommend further treatment as appropriate.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

The Frequency of Bunions

Bunions are just one of many kinds of foot afflictions that can negatively impact the healthy state of your feet. Bunions are defined as a bony bump that can develop on the side of the foot, either by the big toe or the small, pinky toe. Interestingly, bunions have a relatively high frequency or prevalence among the general public. Approximately one-third of all American adults will be affected by bunions. As compared with men, the frequency of bunions in women is generally higher. This is possibly due to the fact that women wear high heels and other kinds of footwear that may be damaging to the feet. The frequency of bunions is also generally higher in older individuals than in young people. Although cases of bunions can be different from person to person, bunions can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about preventing bunions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Types of Foot Surgery

The feet are a complicated part of our bodies. Each foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, and many tendons, ligaments, and muscles. A variety of conditions can affect the feet and cause discomfort, which can limit mobility.  At times things happen to change the structure and mechanics of the foot and surgery may be required. Foot surgery is typically considered when more conservative approaches do not work. It is often done to reduce pain, correct a deformity, or restore foot functioning. Some examples of foot surgery include bunion surgery, hammertoe surgery, and heel surgery. If you suffer from foot pain that is not relieved by rest or a change of shoes, see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment. Foot surgery can usually be prevented if problems are treated in a timely manner.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Saturday, 12 November 2022 00:00

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

Sore Ankles and Exercise

Working out and exercising are essential parts of what it means to be a healthy, active person. Not only does exercise help us burn extra calories, it helps us have stronger bodies. However, if one is not careful, exercise may lead to a litany of different foot conditions. An individual who is exercising might experience sore ankles after engaging in physical activity. If this applies to you, you might consider performing ankle and joint mobility exercises that are comfortable in order to stretch the area. This might reduce pain from sore ankles. Additionally, one may be able to prevent ankle pain from occurring in the first place if one properly warms up before a workout. Contact a podiatrist today for more information on ankle pain. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

Various Ways to Break an Ankle

Research has shown that a broken ankle is the most common type of bone injury. Broken ankles can occur for various reasons such as overuse from excessive walking or running and being predisposed to fractures. Additionally, a broken ankle may happen from unexpectedly stepping off a curb and twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can weaken the ankle bones and cause the ankle to become displaced. Common symptoms associated with an ankle fracture include immediate bruising, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the affected foot. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which often consists of having an X-ray taken, treatment can begin. The X-ray can be used to determine the severity of the break, and proper treatment methods are based on the information it provides. Various techniques are used to treat a broken ankle, and if you have endured this type of injury, please consult a podiatrist who can help you with effective approaches to treat a broken ankle.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Broken Ankle Causes, Differences, Symptoms and Treatments

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